Mombasa Senator urges Kenyans against killing snakes
By Arnold Ngure, July 22, 2025Mombasa Senator Faki Mohammed has advised Kenyans to resist the urge to kill snakes upon seeing them.
In a statement on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Faki observed that snakes are one of the most misunderstood reptiles, noting that they play a critical role in the environment.
“World Snake Day is celebrated every year on the 16th of July. It is a moment to reflect on the critical yet often misunderstood role that snakes play in maintaining ecological balance across various landscapes,” Senator Faki told the Senate.
Misinformation on snakes
Faki stated that due to misinformation in many parts of the country, snakes have been killed with utter disregard for their role in the ecosystem.
“Due to widespread fear, harmful myths, and habitat destruction, snakes are often killed immediately upon sight. These fears are mainly caused by misinformation,” he stated.
“We must seek to change negative perceptions about snakes, especially within our communities, and foster respect for all wildlife, not just the well-known or attractive species,” Faki remarked.
Anti-venom medication
Equally, the senator decried the lack of anti-venom medication in hospitals and dispensaries across the country, noting that this plays a role in the overall widespread fear of the slithering reptiles.
“Many people lose their lives due to the lack of anti-snake venom in health facilities across the country. The Government should ensure that all health facilities are properly stocked with anti-snake venom,” Faki said.
He urged the leaders to advocate for a conservation approach to snakes, rather than fear, to protect the species from destruction.
“Let us teach the next generation to respect rather than fear, and to protect rather than destroy our environment,” Faki noted.
Far from being mere predators, snakes are vital components of food webs, acting as both consumers and prey.
Their presence helps regulate populations of various animals, particularly rodents, which can otherwise cause extensive damage to crops and carry diseases, thus safeguarding agricultural productivity and public health.
Beyond their role as predators, snakes are also an important food source for other animals, including birds of prey, mammals, and other reptiles. This position in the food chain ensures the flow of energy through different trophic levels, supporting the survival of various species within an ecosystem.